(S. 1964). The vote is on the adoption of a Rule (H. Res. 628) to bring to the House floor a bill designating 17,562 acres of federally protected wilderness in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Designation of the Irish Wilderness was first recommended by the U.S. Forest Service in 1949, and was considered the most important potential wilderness area in the state by the Forest Service in a 1979 review. The Irish Wilderness contains unique geological features including springs, sink holes and caves, and good habitat for many kinds of wildlife including wild turkey and black bear. It also has historical and cultural importance as the site of an early Irish settlement. The Irish Wilderness Act had broad bipartisan support from the two Missouri Senators, the Governor and a majority of the Congressional delegation. But two Missouri Congressmen, with the support of the Reagan Administration and the St. Joe Mining company, blocked the bill because it would prevent mining of lead deposits. Rule rejected 186-191; December 16, 1982. YES is the pro-environmental vote.